Brush Local News

Unusual weather system making Colorado uncommonly humid

By Ryan ParkerThe Denver Post

Posted:
07/16/2013 12:01:00 AM MDT

Updated:
07/16/2013 01:44:58 PM MDT

Blake Carver, 18, of Thornton gets ready to fly into Boulder Creek off the popular rope swing near Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder on Monday. The rope sends people several feet into the creek to land in a deep pool. With three consecutive days of rain, creeks, rivers and reservoirs are swollen with water. A large high-pressure system over the eastern part of the country is keeping a low-pressure system over Texas from progressing, which is creating the storms in Colorado, said Kari Bowen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder. story, 4A (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

It is hot and unusually humid, a rarity for Colorado that may last a couple more days.

A large high-pressure system over the eastern part of the country is keeping a low-pressure system over Texas from progressing, which is creating the storms in Colorado, said Kari Bowen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder.

"This is a unique system going on right now," she said.

The system has produced heavy flooding and mudslides, including tens of thousands of lightning strikes.

The system is moving east to west, another unusual factor, said Mike Nelson, chief meteorologist with 7News.

"It's completely backward from what you'd expect," he said.

Denver's storm water system can handle the amount of rain produced by the current system. However, precipitation is putting pressure on drainage capabilities, said Emily Williams, spokeswoman for Denver Public Works.

There has been flooding on Federal and Sheridan boulevards because of the time it takes for the water to move through the system, she said.

In addition to the uncomfortable, muggy conditions, the current system is creating dangerous situations, such as flooding and mudslides.

"Stay away from creeks and underpasses while it is storming," Williams said. "Do not drive through large puddles in the road. You don't know how deep they are."

Public works crews check and clear drains — more than 100,000 in Denver — when a storm is forecasted, Williams said.

Manhole covers popped off at East Hampden Avenue and South Tamarac Drive on Monday because of the pressure in the drainage system, Williams said.

They have since been repaired, she said. Officials warn against residents attempting to replace covers should they pop off in their area.

The system is predicted to move on Tuesday, and the state will begin to dry out, but the muggy conditions will continue, Nelson said.

Tuesday in Denver is forecast to be mostly sunny, with a high near 83 degrees. A light and variable wind will come from the south-southeast at 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon, according to the weather service.

Tuesday night is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 60 degrees.

Denver will be back in the 90s by Thursday, according to the weather service.

Giant bolts of lightning illuminated the night sky above the Denver skyline late Thursday night, July 11, 2013. Rain followed the light show across the metro area. (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)